Sudbury Hall is one the country's finest Restoration mansions and has Grade I listed building status. The Vernon family came to Sudbury as a result of the 16th-century marriage of Sir John Vernon to Ellen Montgomery the Sudbury heiress. The house was built between 1660 and 1680 by George Vernon, grandfather of George Venables-Vernon the 1st Baron Vernon and is notable for its superb Great Staircase, fine Long Gallery, and portraits by John Michael Wright, and of Charles II's mistresses. Inside there is a mixture of architectural styles with carvings by Grinling Gibbons and Edward Pearce, murals by Louis Laguerre and elaborate plasterwork by Samuel Mansfield, James Pettifer and Robert Bradbury. The carvings above the main entrance porch were sculpted by William Wilson. There are formal gardens with a tree-fringed lake.
The National Trust Museum of Childhood is set in Sudbury Hall and is a very interactive museum for children of all ages (including the merely young at heart). Start the discovery outside and walk through the Victorian street, where you can play jacks and marbles. Jog your own memories by listening to people’s accounts of playing outdoors over the years. Experience first hand the realities of life for children employed through the ages. Venture down a Victorian mine tunnel. Uncover what life was like for children working in domestic service. The Home Gallery turns home life on its head. Look up to see a bedroom on the ceiling. Put yourself in the shoes of a family on the home front in the Second World War. Pick a favourite from the wonderful display of dolls houses and board games. The School Gallery - The best days of your life? Cast your mind back to semolina dinners and school uniforms. Sit up straight and pay attention in the Victorian school room and have a go at the playground games. In the The Baby Gallery you can trace the first year of life and see how we celebrate the arrival of a new baby. Compare the equipment used to care for little ones today to that of the 19th century. The Toys Gallery has an amazing array of toys including the Betty Cadbury Collection of Playthings Past, you can take a look at toys through the ages. Re-discover the toys you played with or those your parents or grandparents loved.
Drop-off point and designated blue badge parking at the front of the house. Free buggy transfer available from the main car park. Wheelchair access limited to Sudbury Hall with stepped entrances on all sides. Braille guide, touch trail and large print guide are available, please ask at the hall entrance. The Museum of Childhood is accessible by wheelchairs. There is a small lift available between all floors. Some outdoor surfaces are loose large gravel and there is sloped access to the garden terraces. Accessible toilets are located in the stableyard and in the Museum of Childhood. Assistance dogs only are allowed on the site.
Location : Main Road, Sudbury, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 5HT
Transport: Uttoxeter (National Rail) then bus (1). Bus Routes : 1, 1A and 1E stop nearby.
Opening Times Hall: Wednesday to Sunday 13:00 to 17:00
Opening Times Museum: Daily 11:00 to 17:00
Tickets Both: Adults £15.00; Children £7.50
Tickets Hall: Adults £8.25; Children £4.10
Tickets Museum: Adults £8.25; Children £4.10
Tel: 01283 585305
